History of British Literature
Late 17th and 18th century (1660–1800)
Introduction
The period from 1660 to 1800 is a major phase in British literature. It shows a shift from religious rigidity to reason and later emotion. This era includes the Restoration Age, Augustan Age, Age of Sensibility, and leads to Romanticism.
Restoration Literature (1660–1700)
The Restoration Age began with the return of King Charles II in 1660. Theatres reopened and literature revived. Drama became dominant, especially comedy of manners. Writers used wit, satire, and realism to expose upper-class hypocrisy. Wycherley and Congreve were major dramatists.
The Augustan Age (1700–1745)
The Augustan Age is also called the Age of Reason. Writers believed in logic, order, balance, and classical models. Satire was the main literary tool. Pope’s The Rape of the Lock and Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels criticised society and politics effectively.
Age of Sensibility (1745–1785)
This age reacted against too much reason and focused on emotion, sympathy, and morality. Writers showed concern for common people. Richardson’s Pamela stressed virtue, while Fielding’s Tom Jones presented social realism. Gray’s poetry expressed themes of death and humanity.
Romanticism (Beginning around 1785)
Romanticism emerged as a reaction against logic and industrialisation. Writers valued imagination, emotion, nature, and individual freedom. Major poets include William Blake, Wordsworth, and Coleridge. Nature became a source of inspiration and spiritual guidance in literature.
Conclusion
The period from 1660 to 1800 shows steady literary development. Each age contributed unique qualities—from wit and satire to emotion and imagination. Together, they prepared the foundation for Romanticism and the growth of modern English literature.
